Vale Bob Schmidt

The South Adelaide Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of Hall of Fame member and premiership player Bob Schmidt after a long battle with illness.

Described as a hard-disciplined half-back flanker, Bob made the position his own over a 164 game and 10 year career with the Panthers.

He demonstrated a fearless, rugged approach that tended to intimidate opposing players. He is well remembered around the club for his enthusiasm, club spirit, and extreme fitness, typified by his reappearance on the training track two days after having a finger amputated.

A member of the 1964 Premiership team then Coach Neil Kerley called him "the best half back I have seen in the League and its most efficient player, with no weakness in his game".

Bob represented South Australia in 11 games and in the 64 point win over Victoria in 1965 the great Ted Whitten was shifted off him after being thoroughly stitched up.

In 1965 Bob won the Knuckey Cup and was included in the South Adelaide Hall of Fame in 2002 after being chosen on the half back flank in South Adelaide's greatest ever team.

Former team mate Peter Darley, who went to Black Forest Primary School with Bob, remembers him fondly.

"I've known Bobby for a long time having gone to Primary School together and it's sad to hear of his passing. He was a good bloke and a great contributor for South Adelaide. He was unassuming and a good character, but he was a hard player."

Bob went to Unley High School which had in their team were 11 players that went on to play SANFL League football, the majority with Sturt, but did include future South team mates Peter Judd and Dick Roennfeldt.

He did try to sign with Sturt but lived 100 metres outside their zone so couldn't register.

In 1961 he played for Adelaide Teachers College and in 1962 when the College had a bye he went out for a game with South's Colts, instead he was selected in the South League team making his debut at 18, ironically against Sturt.

Bob retired from the SANFL in 1971 and then coached Onkaparinga Valley from 1972-75, winning two Mail Medals. He finally hung up the boots in 1980.

The South Adelaide Football Club sends its condolences to his wife Inger and their children Leanne, David and Adrian.